During a four-day visit to Gulf states, President Donald Trump addressed U.S. troops at the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, emphasizing a shift away from America's historical interventionist policies in the Middle East. His remarks coincided with escalating violence in Gaza, where overnight airstrikes reportedly killed at least 54 people in Khan Younis. Trump praised Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar as models of economic development while seeking to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran. He also participated in a business roundtable before heading to Abu Dhabi, where he is expected to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and meet with UAE leaders. The visit marks a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy as Trump aims to redefine America's role in the region.
In a devastating series of airstrikes on the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, over 50 people were killed overnight, marking the second consecutive night of heavy bombardment. The strikes, which were part of Israel's ongoing military campaign against Hamas, resulted in horrific scenes at the Nasser Hospital, where bodies were brought in, some in pieces. Among the deceased was a journalist from Qatari television, Hasan Samour, who died alongside 11 family members. This escalation coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East visit, raising hopes for a ceasefire or renewed humanitarian aid, which has been severely restricted due to an Israeli blockade. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to intensifying military operations to eliminate Hamas, which has led to widespread international condemnation and concerns over humanitarian crises in Gaza.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump next week in Washington, D.C., in an effort to "reset" the strained relations between the two countries. This meeting comes in the wake of the U.S. welcoming 59 white Afrikaners as refugees, following Trump's controversial claims of a "genocide" against white farmers in South Africa. The South African government has strongly denied these allegations, asserting that there is no evidence of racial persecution and that the issues of violent crime are not racially motivated. Ramaphosa aims to clarify these misconceptions during his visit, which marks Trump's first engagement with an African leader since his return to office. The discussions are expected to cover bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest.
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, was arrested alongside six others during a Senate hearing on May 14, 2025, where Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was testifying. The group protested U.S. support for Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing Congress of contributing to the deaths of children in the conflict. Cohen shouted, “Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the U.S.” The Capitol Police charged the protesters with crowding, obstructing, and incommoding, with most facing additional charges of resisting arrest. Cohen, known for his progressive activism, has previously criticized U.S. foreign policy and its implications for humanitarian issues in Gaza.
In a significant turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the peace talks in Istanbul aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a lower-level delegation, led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, would represent Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who challenged Putin to meet in person, expressed skepticism about the seriousness of the Russian delegation. The talks, which are the first direct negotiations since early 2022, come amid heightened tensions and differing approaches to a ceasefire, with Zelenskyy advocating for an immediate halt to hostilities while Putin seeks concessions. U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially considered attending, also announced he would skip the talks due to scheduling conflicts.
